8. Max von Sydow: Ming the Merciless in Flash Gordon (1980)
Hail Max. If were talking about respected actors who lend credibility to comic-book films, you cant get a harder job than investing authority in Flash Gordon. Camp doesnt get close to describing this film. As an actor, where do you even start to find the reality in Mongo? Max von Sydow plays Ming absolutely straight. He could have gone completely OTT, playing the villain as Ming the mercilessly scenery-chewing stereotyped evil genius. But thats a long title. Instead, the actor delivers his lines carefully, exquisitely, with understated menace. In short, despite the ridiculous costume and backdrops, Ming has the bearing of a powerful, omnipotent ruler. He doesnt shout or cackle because he doesnt have to. Hes accustomed to power. Von Sydow also makes every line that he delivers very quotable. It is a memorable performance, and you cant help but enjoy every scene that he appears in. The film may be as close to pantomime as you can get, but von Sydow (and in fairness, the other actors) never break the fourth wall.